The noun effort has 4 senses (first 4 from tagged texts)
1. (355) attempt, effort, endeavor, endeavour, try -- (earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something; "made an effort to cover all the reading material"; "wished him luck in his endeavor"; "she gave it a good try")
2. (176) effort, elbow grease, exertion, travail, sweat -- (use of physical or mental energy; hard work; "he got an A for effort"; "they managed only with great exertion")
3. (38) campaign, cause, crusade, drive, movement, effort -- (a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end; "he supported populist campaigns"; "they worked in the cause of world peace"; "the team was ready for a drive toward the pennant"; "the movement to end slavery"; "contributed to the war effort")
4. (24) deed, feat, effort, exploit -- (a notable achievement; "he performed a great deed"; "the book was her finest effort")